Statement by the spokesperson on the recent massacres in the region of Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The recent massacres in the region of Beni, the toll of which now exceeds one hundred lives, are further evidence of the extremely tense security situation in North Kivu.

The EU expresses its condolences to the victims' families and calls on the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate fully these  acts of violence and to bring those responsible to justice. 

Acting with the United Nations mission, the Democratic Republic of Congo must do all in its power to protect the civilian population.

These acts of violence highlight the urgent need for all parties to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework to implement its terms, the fundamental priorities of which are to combat armed groups and impunity.

The European Union reiterates its support for the MONUSCO mandate  and strongly condemns the attacks that have targeted the United Nations operation in recent weeks.